ConsFirst / Fans
Fans: the downsides, first
Bladeless and some tower fans look sleek but move less air: CNET measured weak airflow on the Dyson and Shark bladeless fans, and four of the eight fans we compared draw airflow complaints. Remotes and controls are the other repeated gripe. Here are the most popular tower fans and air circulators in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared10 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 fans, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Vornado
$$Air circulatorScore 4.3/5
12%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: only 52 ratings on Amazon.com.The most powerful room fan Wirecutter has tested, with 3D oscillation, a magnetic grille that is very easy to clean, and a backlit remote. The controls can be confusing, and a few early Amazon owners say oscillation stopped working.
Top complaints
- Confusing controlsVery common
Wirecutter says the light uses different buttons depending on whether the fan is running, and the menu of airflow modes plus oscillation options can feel overwhelming.
- Slow startup orientationMentioned often
At power-on the head moves in every direction for about 30 seconds to orient itself, then you still have to press the fan button (Wirecutter).
- Oscillation failing early for someOccasional
Amazon's review summary says reliability is mixed, with some owners reporting it stopped oscillating after about a week. The listing has only 52 ratings.
What owners love
- Huge airflow with 3D oscillation
Wirecutter measured about 840 cfm on average and wind over 16.5 mph, the fastest it has seen, with up to 180 degrees horizontal and 90 degrees vertical oscillation.
- Easiest fan to clean
The grille is held by magnets and pulls apart without tools, and the blades stop when the grille is removed (Wirecutter).
- Backlit magnetic remote and lamp
Wirecutter likes the backlit remote that docks on the grille and the warm-white LED ring with five brightness levels. Amazon owners praise its quality and airflow.
Skip it if…- You want simple controls
- You move the fan around often (slow startup orientation)
- You want a long track record
Good for- Large rooms that need a lot of air
- Easy, tool-free cleaning
- A fan that doubles as a soft lamp
Scores (tap for why)
- Airflow5.0
Why 5.0?
About 840 cfm and over 16.5 mph, the most powerful room fan Wirecutter has tested, with 3D oscillation. - Controls & remote3.5
Why 3.5?
10 speeds, modes and a backlit magnetic remote, but the controls can be confusing and startup orientation is slow (Wirecutter). - Easy cleaning5.0
Why 5.0?
Magnetic grille comes apart without tools; Wirecutter calls it the easiest and safest fan to clean it has tested. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
Vornado's 5-year warranty (Wirecutter), but a few early Amazon reports of oscillation failing; little long-term data.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Upgrade pick (April 2026): the most powerful and easiest-to-clean fan it has tested; controls can be confusing and startup orientation is tedious.
#2
Dreo
$$Tower fanScore 4.2/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The listing's 95,114 ratings are shared with Dreo's non-smart best-selling tower fan (B09MKPDJRT) and pool 36- and 42-inch, smart and non-smart variants; the T2S name isn't shown on the page.Good Housekeeping's best smart tower fan, from the brand behind Amazon's best-selling tower fans: strong, quiet, with app and voice control and auto mode. There's no place to store the remote, and it needs 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
What owners love
- Strong, quiet airflow
Good Housekeeping found it cooled spaces effectively, operated quietly, and could be felt up to 25 feet away. Amazon owners praise the powerful motor and quiet running.
- Full smart control
App control, Alexa and Google, schedules and a temperature-sensing auto mode, plus a remote (Good Housekeeping, GearBrain).
- Efficient, easy display
Good Housekeeping notes efficient energy use and an easy-to-use LED display.
Skip it if…- You only have 5 GHz Wi-Fi
- You want a place to keep the remote
- You want a fan you can hide away easily
Good for- App, Alexa and Google control
- Bedrooms and living rooms
- Scheduling and auto temperature mode
Scores (tap for why)
- Airflow4.0
Why 4.0?
Effective cooling felt up to 25 feet (Good Housekeeping); Amazon owners praise its power. No independent speed measurement found. - Quietness4.0
Why 4.0?
Good Housekeeping and Amazon owners call it quiet; GearBrain cites 25 dB (a maker figure, not a measurement). - Controls & remote4.5
Why 4.5?
App, voice assistants, schedules, auto mode and a remote (GH, GearBrain); no remote holder and 2.4 GHz only.
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping: Best smart (March 2025): powerful, quiet and sleek with app and voice control; no remote holder.
- GearBrain: 8.5/10 (July 2025): a top contender with strong airflow, quiet operation and good smart integration; MSRP $109.99.
#3
Levoit
$$Tower fanScore 4.0/5
9%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The listing (15,023 ratings) pools Levoit's 36-inch, 36-47-inch, 42-inch Standard and 42-inch Smart towers and Windi Mini fans, so it is not 42-inch-only.Picked by both Good Housekeeping (best overall) and CNET (best smart tower fan): quiet, efficient, pleasant airflow, plus auto temperature control. CNET measured only average airflow, and app control needs the pricier smart version.
Top complaints
- Only average airflowMentioned often
CNET lists average airflow as a con (335 FPM median, 532 FPM max), well behind the Dreo and Zafro towers it tested. Good Housekeeping, by contrast, calls the airflow powerful.
- Smart features cost extraMentioned often
Good Housekeeping says app and Alexa/Google control require Levoit's separate smart tower fan. CNET also calls the price above average.
- Odd remote storage slotOccasional
CNET lists the remote-control storage slot as a con.
What owners love
- Quiet with excellent white noise
CNET measured 42 dBA on medium and 55 dBA on high and gave its white noise 10/10.
- Very efficient, smooth airflow
CNET measured 2 W on low and 19 W on high and rated its air texture 10/10. Adjustable louvers redirect the airflow.
- Auto mode and easy display
Good Housekeeping felt airflow up to 25 feet away and liked the 12 speeds, 4 modes, easy-to-read display, remote, and auto speed based on room temperature.
Skip it if…- You want the strongest blast
- You want app control on the cheaper standard version
- You're on a tight budget
Good for- Bedrooms and living rooms
- Low energy use
- Smart-home control (smart version)
Scores (tap for why)
- Airflow3.0
Why 3.0?
Average airflow in CNET's test (335 FPM median); Good Housekeeping felt it up to 25 feet away. - Quietness4.5
Why 4.5?
42 dBA on medium, 55 dBA on high, and a 10/10 white-noise score (CNET). - Controls & remote4.5
Why 4.5?
12 speeds, 4 modes, temperature auto mode, remote and display (GH); persistent mute and great smart-home features on the smart version (CNET).
What experts say
- CNET: Best smart tower fan, 9.0/10 (July 2026): outstanding efficiency, air texture and white noise; average airflow and above-average price.
- Good Housekeeping: Best overall (March 2025): a top Lab performer with powerful airflow and auto temperature mode; no smart features on this version.
#4
Zafro
$$Tower fanScore 3.9/5
7%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 229 ratings; the listing also offers the 42-inch size.CNET's best tower fan overall for 2026: strong airflow, efficient, reasonably quiet and full of smart features for the price. It has no dust screen, the oscillation hums on low, and it's a lesser-known brand with few Amazon ratings.
Top complaints
- No mesh dust screenMentioned often
CNET lists no mesh screen filter as a con; it credits fans with removable screens for easier cleaning.
- Hum on low; startup chimeMentioned often
CNET notes the oscillation hums on lower settings and the fan keeps a startup chime even with mute on.
- Clicky remoteOccasional
CNET calls the remote moderately clicky.
What owners love
- Excellent airflow
CNET measured a 532 FPM median and 768 FPM max, among the strongest towers it tested.
- Efficient and fairly quiet
2 W on low and 20 W on high, with 54 dBA on high (CNET). Amazon owners say it is very quiet even on speed 1.
- Rich features for the price
12 speeds, adjustable 120-degree oscillation and persistent mute (CNET). Amazon owners call it one of the easiest smart devices to set up.
Skip it if…- You want a removable dust screen
- You are sensitive to low hums
- You want a long brand track record
Good for- Strong airflow at a mid price
- Smart-home control
- Adjustable oscillation width
Scores (tap for why)
- Airflow4.5
Why 4.5?
532 FPM median and 768 FPM max, rated excellent by CNET. - Quietness4.0
Why 4.0?
54 dBA on high and 9/10 white noise, but a hum from oscillation on low (CNET); Amazon owners call it very quiet. - Controls & remote4.5
Why 4.5?
12 speeds, adjustable oscillation, smart-home control and persistent mute; remote is a little clicky (CNET). - Easy cleaning2.5
Why 2.5?
No mesh dust screen, a con in CNET's review.
What experts say
- CNET: Best tower fan overall, 9.1/10 and Editors' Choice (July 2026): near the top in nearly every test for a competitive price; no dust screen.
#5
Dreo
$Air circulatorScore 3.6/5
4%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The listing's 10,208 ratings and histogram are shared with another Dreo table-fan listing (B0CQ53Z261), so they pool variants.Wirecutter's budget pick: a small, quiet, easy-to-clean circulator that blows about as hard as the Vornado 630 for about half the price. It has only a knob (no remote or oscillation) and a shorter warranty.
Top complaints
- Short warrantyVery common
Wirecutter notes a one-year warranty, extended by 18 months if you register, far shorter than Vornado's. It expects these fans to last more than three but less than five years.
- Doesn't fill the room as wellMentioned often
Its gust is slightly stronger than the Vornado 630's, but it moves less air and doesn't fill the room quite as well (Wirecutter).
- Knob onlyMentioned often
A single speed knob on the base is the only control: no remote, timer or oscillation (Wirecutter).
What owners love
- Powerful for its size
Wirecutter measured 12.3 mph versus 11.8 mph for the Vornado 630. Amazon owners say it moves a lot of air for its size.
- Quiet
Wirecutter calls it quiet, and Amazon owners describe it as amazingly quiet.
- Easy to clean
Remove one screw, twist off the grille and lift out the blade; Wirecutter says it is easier to clean than the Vornado 630.
Skip it if…- You want a remote or oscillation
- You need to fill a big room
- You want a long warranty
Good for- Bedrooms on a budget
- Desks and side tables
- Easy cleaning
Scores (tap for why)
- Airflow4.0
Why 4.0?
12.3 mph, slightly faster than the Vornado 630, but it moves less air and fills the room less well (Wirecutter). - Quietness4.0
Why 4.0?
Described as quiet by Wirecutter and as amazingly quiet in Amazon's review summary; no dB figures given. - Controls & remote2.0
Why 2.0?
One speed knob, no remote or oscillation (Wirecutter). - Easy cleaning4.5
Why 4.5?
One screw holds the grille and the blade lifts out; easier than the Vornado 630 (Wirecutter). - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
Doesn't feel cheap and Amazon owners praise its sturdiness, but the warranty is 1 year (+18 months with registration) and Wirecutter expects 3-5 years of life.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Budget pick (April 2026): performs close to the Vornado 630 for about half the price; the warranty is much shorter.
#6
Vornado
$$Air circulatorScore 3.3/5
4%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Wirecutter's top fan since 2017: compact, powerful and reliable with a 5-year warranty. It doesn't oscillate, has only three speeds and no remote, and some Amazon owners find it noisy even on low.
Top complaints
- No oscillation, no remote, three speedsVery common
Wirecutter lists no oscillation, only three speed settings and no remote, timer or smart-home controls as its flaws.
- Noisy for some, even on lowMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says noise gets mixed feedback: low speed is quiet for some, but many find it noisy even on low. Wirecutter measured 47-49 dB on lower settings and about 56 dB on high.
- Some units break suddenly; uses more powerMentioned often
Amazon's summary says durability and value are mixed, with some owners reporting it breaking suddenly. Wirecutter measured 38-53 W, more than most of its other picks (about 20 W).
What owners love
- Strong whole-room circulation
Wirecutter measured nearly 12 mph and more than 400 cubic feet per minute on high, and says its spiraling airflow circulates a room better than an oscillating fan. Amazon owners call it powerful for its size.
- Sturdy, with a 5-year warranty
Wirecutter says its sturdy plastic body won't bend, break or topple like cheaper fans, and Vornado backs it with a 5-year warranty.
- Tool-free grille removal
Pressing a clip pops the grille off without screws so you can wipe the blades (Wirecutter).
Skip it if…- You want oscillation
- You want a remote or many speeds
- You need near-silent running
Good for- Circulating air across a whole room
- Long-term reliability
- Smart-plug setups (mechanical dial)
Scores (tap for why)
- Airflow4.0
Why 4.0?
Nearly 12 mph and 400+ cfm on high with strong room circulation (Wirecutter), but no oscillation. - Quietness3.0
Why 3.0?
47-49 dB on lower settings and about 56 dB on high (Wirecutter); many Amazon owners find it noisy even on low. - Controls & remote2.0
Why 2.0?
Three-speed dial only, no remote, timer or app; it does work with a smart plug (Wirecutter). - Easy cleaning3.5
Why 3.5?
Grille pops off with a clip, no screws; removing the blades takes more effort (Wirecutter). - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
Sturdy body, established reliability record and 5-year warranty (Wirecutter); Amazon durability feedback is mixed.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (April 2026): the best balance of power, efficiency and reliability; lacks oscillation, a remote and fine speed control.
#7
Shark
$$$BladelessScore 3.4/5
14%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 1,039 ratings. A separate fan-plus-heat version (TH202) has its own listing.A very quiet, versatile bladeless fan that twists, pivots and oscillates 180 degrees for far less than a Dyson. Airflow is low in CNET's test, it has no display or app, and Amazon owners are split on noise, airflow and the remote.
Top complaints
- Low airflowVery common
CNET measured a 236 FPM median, among the lowest it tested, and lists low airflow as a con. Amazon's summary says airflow reviews are mixed, with some finding it minimal.
- Pricey, no app or displayMentioned often
CNET calls it expensive versus most tower fans and notes no smart-home controls. Good Housekeeping notes there's no display, so you need the remote for most settings. Amazon owners are split on value.
- Remote problems for someMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says some owners report the magnetic remote doesn't work properly. CNET also found it less efficient at higher settings (48 W on high).
What owners love
- Extremely quiet, smooth air
CNET measured 39 dBA on medium and 53 dBA on high and gave its air texture 10/10.
- Very adjustable
Two vents twist in different directions, it pivots horizontally and vertically, height adjusts, and it oscillates 180 degrees (Good Housekeeping, CNET).
- Removable screen, silent magnetic remote
CNET credits its easily removable mesh screen and its quiet, strongly magnetic remote.
Skip it if…- You want a strong blast of air
- You want app control or a display
- You're on a tight budget
Good for- Quiet bedrooms
- Gentle, smooth airflow
- Aiming air at two spots at once
Scores (tap for why)
- Airflow2.0
Why 2.0?
236 FPM median, among the lowest in CNET's test; Amazon airflow feedback is mixed. - Quietness4.5
Why 4.5?
Quietest on medium (39 dBA) and 53 dBA on high in CNET's test, though Amazon owners are mixed on noise. - Controls & remote3.0
Why 3.0?
Many oscillation options and a silent magnetic remote with persistent mute (CNET), but no app or display (CNET, GH) and some remote complaints on Amazon. - Easy cleaning4.0
Why 4.0?
Easily removable, washable mesh screen (CNET).
What experts say
- CNET: Best bladeless tower fan, 8.3/10 (July 2026): quiet with outstanding air texture for far less than a Dyson; low airflow and no smart controls.
- Good Housekeeping: Most unique (March 2025): one of the most innovative designs it has tested; no display.
#8
Dyson
$$$BladelessScore 2.8/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
A beautifully smooth, pleasant-sounding bladeless tower, but in CNET's test it tied for the weakest airflow, drew 50 W on high, and costs about twice as much as Shark's bladeless fan.
Top complaints
- Weakest airflowVery common
CNET measured a 197 FPM median (tied for lowest) and 315 FPM max.
- Expensive for simple featuresVery common
CNET says its simple features and $400 price, about twice the Shark and Dreame bladeless fans, kept it from being the bladeless pick. Oscillation is only 70 degrees.
- Power-hungry on highMentioned often
CNET measured 50 W on high, among the least efficient fans it tested.
What owners love
- Unmatched air texture
CNET says the air texture of bladeless fans like the Dyson is unmatched (10/10).
- Pleasant white noise, no beeps
CNET rated its hiss 10/10 for white noise, measured 54 dBA on high, and notes it has no beeps.
Skip it if…- You want strong cooling
- You care about value
- You want app control or wide oscillation
Good for- Gentle, smooth airflow
- Pleasant white noise
- Design-focused rooms
Scores (tap for why)
- Airflow1.5
Why 1.5?
197 FPM median, tied for lowest in CNET's 14-fan test. - Quietness4.0
Why 4.0?
54 dBA on high with a 10/10 white-noise score (CNET). - Controls & remote3.0
Why 3.0?
10 speeds and a quiet remote, but simple features, 70-degree oscillation and no beeps for feedback (CNET).
What experts say
- CNET: 8/10 (July 2026), not a pick: exceptional air texture and white noise, but simple features and a $400 price hold it back.